The Eastern Region Women

Guess what we are back in business. I now have full access to the league website so we can once again start giving information as it comes in on these pages. I am sorry for the trouble this has caused but even with everything covered my computer was wiped out and it has taken a tremendous amount of effort to get it back. Don't forget the league AGM is tonight at Bottisham with a 7.30pm sharp start see you all there

I have just been told by Alex Franklin that the take up for the League 7-A-Side tournament and presentation night is not going too well, and also having had a chat with a member club realised that some or perhaps most of you have not received the application forms. So as to make life a little easier I have placed them here so that you can download them and print them off before sending them to Alex for inclusion in the event.

As from Saturday 13th May 2006 Helen Hoye will have a new and permanent address. The address is as follows:

No land line at present but that is being done as we speak, I will notify you as and when that happens. You can still contact Helen through her mobile.

I have just been informed by the league secretary Alex Franklin that so far we have had very few entrants into the regional 7-a-side competition / presentation night. I know that an entry date was left off the original application form but with all the preparation that is needed to get this underway then we must have a closing date of Monday 29th May 2006. It is of great importance that you take part in this the first ERWFL tournament of its kind. Plus have the added bonus of being able to take part in the end of season presentations to the teams in YOUR DIVISION.

As a result of the games played today the division one plays off has now been decided. With Haverhill Rovers beating Chelmsford City Haverhill are now Champions of Division One East AFC Kempston Rovers are the champions of Division One West. Sawbridgeworth Town and Brentwood Town are the runners up of the Division Ones West and East respectively so they will play off on May 21st 2006 at Ipswich Wanderers to see who will be in the play off for the right to be in the Premier Division next season. The draw for the home team position will be made this week by Alex Franklin.

As the season is drawing to a close we can now confirm two of the divisional champions. Norwich Canaries have secured a promotional place within the South East Combination League by becoming Eastern Region Champions and so far AFC Kempston Rovers still with two games left to play have secured top spot of Division One West which will see them play next season in the Premier Division. Congratulations to both teams. Division One East is going to take a little more time to sort out as any one of four clubs could if the results go with them end up as Champions so we will have to hang on for at least another week. As a result of the promotional happenings we know that Dagenham & Redbridge have requested to be with us next season from the South East Combination League along with the possibility that Sophtlogic may be with us as well. (Possibly the FA may have to sort that one out) At this moment in time we know that Barton Rovers will be relegated to a Division One next season from the Premier and that it is a scrap between Stevenage Vixens and Royston Town as to who will join them. This scrap will also determine who will be the 10th placed side that has to contest the final play off game. At the bottom end of things we have to say farewell to Hitchin Hearts and Hoddesdon Owls who are the first teams to have to be relegated to County Leagues from Division One West we also say farewell to Criminal Justice Unit who are relegated from Division One East. We have also learnt that Loddon United will not feature next season in Division One East through a lack of players. Coming into the region we have Bedford & District, Lakenheath and Barchester. We are still awaiting confirmation from Essex as to who their promotion candidate is. I believe that Billericay is currently the top side in Essex so we will have to wait and see.

We now have confirmation of the two play-off venues which are as listed below. 21st May 2006 at Ipswich Wanderers FC, play off between the runners up of Division One West and Division One East. 28th May 2006 at Woodbridge Town FC. Winners of the first play off against the 10th placed Premier Division side. Both games will kick off at 2.00pm with extra time and penalties as required.

As a response from the note below we have had an offer from Ipswich Wanderers and Woodbridge Town to use their 'A' pitches for these play-off games. As soon as these venues are fully confirmed I will inform you all through these pages

Because of the unexpected late finish to the season we have been hit with a dilemma with regard to the divisional play-offs. At this present moment in time the first playoff game between the two division one runners up will not take place until 21st May with the second one having to be played the following week on the 28th May. This is due to the main contenders being involved in Cup finals on the 14th May. Can I ask for your assistance in letting me know of any grounds that would be able to put these two play off games on. Your earliest reply would be appreciated.

As you mat be aware there was a freak accident that happened during the first half of the Memorial Shield game between Stanway and Kings Lynn. A Kings Lynn player landed heavily on her neck and the worst fear was that she may have broken her neck. After paramedic and doctor support an air ambulance was called and the player was eventually taken to hospital where she was diagnosed as having torn a tendon /ligament in her neck. Gary Stewart has contacted me to say a big thank you to the Stanway goal keeper who stayed with the Kings Lynn player all the time until she went to hospital. This game was abandoned as a result of the wait for medical help so the game will be replayed as soon as a venue can be sought.

I have received this information with regard to a member club who at the hands of vandals have lost all their kit etc.

Senseless act: club assistant secretary, Cliff Rhodes surveys the thousands of pounds' worth of damage caused at Haringey Borough Football Club, by unknown attackers, last week. Vandals broke into Haringey Borough Football Club and set it alight using petrol last week, causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage. The fire destroyed the entire contents of the club's storage room ground maintenance equipment and goods for the club's weekly fundraising market yards from the adjoining office, which holds the club's trophies and historical memorabilia. Fire fighters from Tottenham fire station attended the scene at the Coles Park Stadium in White Hart Lane, Tottenham, in the early hours of Thursday morning last week. Despite extensive smoke damage, none of the memorabilia was damaged nor was the grandstand, which meant last Saturday's home game to Royston Town was still able to go ahead, with Boro winning 3-1. Club assistant secretary, Cliff Rhodes, said: "The breaking and entering and the setting alight of anybody's property, let alone a key community location, must not be tolerated in any shape or form, and the culprits, who appear hell-bent on bringing the borough's community football club to its knees, must be caught and punished."

Club chairman Aki Achillea is convinced that the fire was started deliberately, after discovering that petrol had been spread in three separate areas of the storage room. He said: "We understand from the fire brigade that there were three different seats to the fire and this confirms that a deliberate effort was made to destroy the building. "All of our equipment was destroyed and I am at a loss as to how it will now be replaced. We still have home fixtures to fulfil and the coming weeks will be very difficult for us.

"The mindless individuals who started the fire have no idea of the distress they have caused and we can only hope that they are brought to account for their actions." A spokesman for Haringey police said an investigation had been launched and that increased patrols in the area, using the Safer Neighbourhood Team, would be considered.

As we enter the last part of the season as a league we now have to put our minds to next season as the Football Association requires us as a Region to submit any rule changes to them prior to our AGM so that they can be sanctioned. If you have an idea about a rule change or a rule addition then the format of the rule has to be with Alex Franklin by 30th April 2006.

The date for our AGM has been set for Monday 19th June 2006 at Bottisham. The AGM will start earlier than usual at 7.30pm prompt as we need to get through a lot of business on the night. ALL clubs must be represented

Please note that the full council meeting arranged for this coming Monday 3rd April 2005 has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this action.

I have just been informed that the suspected broken leg that happened in the Cambridge City / Haringey Borough cup match has been confirmed. Haringey's Nicola Long (current top goal scorer) has indeed broken her leg and will almost certainly be out for the rest of the season. On behalf of the all the member clubs within the Region we hope that Nicola has a speedy and uneventful recovery so she can resume her footballing career as soon as possible.

Well it's that time of year again when we have been informed by the Football Association that we need to get any rule changes for next season to them so that they have 28 days to look at them before our AGM. Our AGM will be in June this year as always so to all member clubs get your thinking caps on and if you can think of any new or changes to existing rules then get them to Alex Franklin ASAP.

It has come to the attention of the management committee that at least 2 clubs have experienced some form of abuse from their opposition spectators and players. May I remind ALL clubs that all spectators both home and away fall under the home clubs management and if they are seen to be or heard to be aggressive or abusive they should be reprimanded or if it continues evicted from the pitch area. Players are under the direct control of their respective management team. Under rule 17.6 the Region has a mandate to deal with any matter that is brought to our attention. Current Football Association and FIFA guidelines also apply.

While I am on the subject of rule misdemeanours I would like to draw your attention to:

Rule 10.5 which gives reference to ground criteria as I have been made aware that some clubs still do not comply and that pre match instructions cannot be given as would be the expected norm in a SEPARATE CHANGING ROOM. Some clubs still use joint changing rooms which is against regulations.

Rule 10.14 which gives reference to the time scale for notification of game details that must be received by the opposing club, which must include directions, kit colours etc. A brief telephone call is not accepted although a detailed e-mail is.

Rule 10.14a which gives reference to after match refreshments for PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS of both teams. It has been noted that several clubs allow spectators to be refreshed prior to players which if there is enough food is acceptable but if not then you are in breech of this rule. Perhaps if you wish to give food to all then a separate tray left aside for the opposition would suffice rather than a group free for all.

These games will be allocated neutral grounds with referee and assistants appointed. (every attempt will be made to secure venues that are equi-distance from both clubs)

The draws were made by Gary Sargent ex player of Norwich City and Peterborough United, under the watchful eye of Alex Franklin League Secretary

As a mark of respect for Mike could all clubs hold a minutes silence before their games on Sunday. Thank you

I have just been given this information with regard to Mike Gwilliams Funeral

Please pass on for those that would like to know -

No Donations but flowers if you would like-

To

Meredith Greengrass
9 Marriotts Walk
Stowmarket
Suffolk

Funeral is at West Chapel, Ipswich Crematorium, Off Colchester Road, Ipswich Wednesday 2pm

I have just been given the sad news that Mike Gwilliam our FA Representative passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning after suffering a massive heart attack. I am sure that we are all together in sending our heart felt condolences to his family at this time. Once the final preparations are known you will be informed by this website so that any personal tributes can be made.

Secretaries don't forget there is a full council meeting next Monday 20th February 2006 at Bottisham. The next round of the League Cup / Plate & Memorial Shield will be drawn starting at 8.00pm. Rule 4.10a still applies for non-attendance

There is new contact information with regard to Godmanchester Rovers listed on their contacts page. It refers to the fixture secretary in both telephone number and e-mail address. Adrian Gee has changed his mobile to 07979-277356 and his e-mail address is adriangee1@hotmail.com

As an update for the message listed below under 'In the Huntingdon Area'. This project is to try and achieve a regeneration of girls colt football in the area so that the age range that they are looking for is between 13 and 16 years. They are trying to address the decline in teams that has happened lately in the area and if it is successful then the girls will have the opportunity to progress to the full Huntingdon Town Ladies Side when the time comes.

As a result of the management committee meeting tonight all the relevant games that were being dealt with have now had their findings reflected in the league tables and result grids. Notification will be sent out to clubs concerned. There are still one or two items before the committee which will be heard within the next few weeks under appeal conditions.

It has been reported that possibly the fastest goal has been scored this weekend in the Loddon United vs Kings Lynn game when Amy Marsh netted for Kings Lynn after just 13 seconds.

As we start looking forward to next season we have been informed that the Football Association has passed a rule that will affect the registrations of the younger players

Starting next season, season 2006/07, Children may only play in open age football if they have attained the age of 15 by 1st September 2006 and from season 2007/08 they must have attained the age of 16 by 1st September 2007.

Can you put a message out on the web etc. saying we are looking for players, all abilities and give them my contact details in the first ins. 07786 664168 or 01480 385437, Or email: james.kennerley@ntlworld.com

As we move to the middle part of the season the management committee are already looking towards the set up of the region for next season. As has been the thought for some time we feel the region is in a position to look at the possibility of having a referee's secretary for next season and depending on how many referees sign up we could extend the appointments to all divisions instead of the Premier Division as is now the main priority. With this in mind there has been several ideas put forward as to how referees can be brought under our wing but the most accepted is the idea that almost every team within the region has through the league rules two referees who have to referee their games throughout the season. There are also many clubs who use several referees during the season so what we intend to do is seek your association with those referees to try and formulate a referee list. By the date of the next meeting (20-02-06)can ALL clubs bring with them the names and addresses of those referees that they use and any that have said that they might be available so that the region can contact them to see if they would be willing to go onto the ERWFL Referee list for next season. We would like to think that we could get a list of some 75 to 100 referees throughout the region which would then give us the opportunity to appoint to each game and also the possibility of appointing assistants as well for the Premier Division. If you are not the secretary of the club can you please print this out and give it to them as this is a directive not a suggestion which will incur fines if not adhered to. Thank you for you co-operation

A new year and already I have to have a bit of a moan. As I am sure you are aware being a fixture secretary for a league like ours is not always the best job in the world and also as it is also a voluntary job you can surely imagine what it is like when you have done the best you can and at the end of your endeavours you ask a simple question like 'please confirm if you have received this e-mail' and you only get a third of the replies that you asked for by the date stated. So as chairman and the guy who writes this stuff for you to read, get your act in gear do as asked and I am sure we will then have a good year. E-mails are an agreed form of communication to you the member clubs so failure to reply to correspondence can and should mean a fine so think yourselves lucky that at this time for this time only this is just a slap on the wrist. Those who have not yet replied to Helen about fixture changes should read their e-mails and reply ASAP

The draw for the 1st round proper of the ERWFL League Cup was done today under the guidance of Alex Franklin the League Secretary. The draw being conducted by Mr D.Young and Mr A. Franklin.

There is also 14 byes so as to make 16 teams available for the 2nd round proper.

As there is only 15 teams available for the ERWFL League plate 1st round these teams will automatically go through to the 2nd round.

So with most of the region now without a game on the Sunday 22nd January 2006 Helen will be allocating games for that day.

As we now enter a period of calm may I on behalf of the Eastern Region Women's Football League management committee convey a heartfelt message of good cheer to you all that you all have a happy Christmas and everything that you could wish for in the new year.

As a little bit of advanced warning the website will not be updated after the 11th December 2005 until about 17th December 2005. I will not be available to update fixtures or player registrations during that time. As the telephone will no doubt be full when you ring through results, if for this week you can e-mail the results through it would be very much appreciated. Please include all the relevant info, match score, goal scorers and player of the match. Many thanks, Dave Dawson

Lol Pike is no longer Manager of Hitchin Hearts, he will however remain helping them until the end of the season or until a better offer comes along.
Phil Sayer has taken over the role of Manager with the help of John Hawkins.

Over the past couple of weeks there has been several notices placed on the notice board that the top scorers are wrong. Unfortunately if the goal scorers are not given or are given wrong with the match result on a Sunday then the information on the site is wrong. If you know there is a wrong piece of info on the site if you e-mail me with all the data I will, after confirming such, correct it

Bill has informed me that although it was stated at the last full council meeting clubs are still not putting the player registration number on the match form. Can all club members that read this page please inform the person who fills out the form on match days that the registration number of each player is required on the form. If a line is drawn about 1.5cm to the right of the centre line from top to bottom you should have enough room for the number and in the next column enough room for the player signature. So lets get our act together as it would be a shame to get a fine for not filling out the form correctly.

A note to put in your handbooks, Les Ramsey (both Satellite secretary and Manager of Woodbridge Town) will be changing address on November 2nd 2005 to:- 86, Woodbridge Road, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, IP4 5RA. All his relevant telephone numbers remain the same.

Please note with immediate effect that Huntingdon Town satellite secretary has changed to Yvonne Chapman. Address and telephone number in the league handbook. Maria Rudd will not be contacted under any circumstances to deal with registrations with the above named club.

Just to let you all know that ANDY BLISS is now available again to take registrations. Also advanced warning that Yvonne Chapman is unavailable to take registrations from 22-29th October inclusive. So again any registration please contact Bill Servey and send all documentation to

'Bill Servey c/o Dawson & Bryant, 281 Kentish Town Road, London. NW5 2JS' where Bill will deal with them in Yvonne's absence.

There is a change for the directory for AFC Kempston Rovers. They have a new Fixture Secretary: Tracey Kup Ferroth, 23 Bevery Close, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7SH. There are also a couple of emergency numbers 07723-073054 and 07709-449047 and last but not least a change to the away kit: Purple Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks.

The draw was conducted by Alan and Lesley Burge on Thursday 6th October 2005

Some clubs are failing to complete their match forms correctly, with regard to the player registration number. The left hand column which has 'No' printed at the top is for the player shirt number and not the registration number. If you draw a line to the right of the centre line that is wide enough to take the registration number that will be OK. It will make life simpler for the registration secretary when he is checking player names to signatures and then to numbers.

It seems a shame that after almost 2 months of notice that the evening games that were scheduled to be played in September that only 4 games have been played out of 11. These fixtures have to be played as part of the league programme and they will now be played during October. If these games are not played then they will be classified as unfulfilled fixture and the relevant rules and outcome will apply.

Until further notice all clubs that require registrations from Andy Bliss will you please send all documentation to

'Bill Servey c/o Dawson & Bryant, 281 Kentish Town Road, London. NW5 2JS' where Bill will deal with them in Andy's absence.

SARAH MANSFIELD HAS NOW BEEN FULLY CLEARED AND IS ABLE TO PLAY FOR GODMANCHESTER ROVERS

I have been informed tonight that because of a registration problem that Sarah Mansfield of Godmanchester Rovers is suspended until such time that the problem is resolved.

We have just been informed that Haverhill Rovers (Division One East) have a change of secretary, the new details are as follows:

I have been told that some clubs are leaving it late to get players registered for this Sunday. As was agreed at the AGM with all clubs, if registrations are not received by the satellite secretaries in time for them to turn them around and get the information to me by midnight on a Wednesday that player will NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY. You all have had some 2-3 months to get your act together why leave it so late.

We have just been informed that the following player is cleared and their registration is now complete so they can play.

It has been drawn to our attention that there are still several players who played for White Lions last season who are attempting to sign for other clubs within the region without clearing their debts to White Lions. Although some of these following players have already been given their registration they have been put on suspension until the clearances have been received by the signing club from White Lions.

Clubs wishing to sign any of the above players MUST obtain the required clearance from White Lions which we have been assured will be processed as soon as the outstanding finances and or kit is up to date with the club.

It has also come to my attention that several clubs are still well below the required number of players needed to start the season. The rules state that all clubs must have a minimum of 15 players signed on by August 1st each year. After Mondays statement that it would be nice to go through a season with no fines it seems fines will be dropping through the door of several clubs before the season starts. Please get you house in order as quickly as possible or your club will not be playing football in the Eastern Region this season

True to his word Bill supplied me with the financial layout that he could not give you at the meeting and here it is:

At last nights meeting there were several changes made to the handbook that was distributed and here they are again.

Under the Management Committee page add telephone number to Bill Servey: work No. phone between the hours of 8.00pm and midnight Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

change to fix sec address for Cambridge City should read 97 Hemmingford Road also a change of manager to Martin Saunders with a telephone n umber of 07774-127416

alteration to address for Chelmsford City :- remove 'City form the address' also remove yellow from second strip

alteration to e-mail for Godmanchester Rovers :- andyswallowe@hotmail.co.uk also change second strip colour from yellow to orange

Change of colours for White Horse Seltic:- 1st Yellow, Black, Yellow. 2nd Royal, Navy, Navy

Dont forget there is a full coucil meeting tonight at The Royal british Legion Hall, Bottisham, Cambs.The meeting starts at 8.00pm.

As a follow on from the change of division for Cambridge Rangers it has been necessary to alter the fixtures for that division. The change has swapped Cottenham United and Huntingdon Town. This has been done so that the night games will now be between Huntingdon Town and Godmanchester Rovers and the other one will be Cottenham United and Cambridge Rangers. These games should now be more local.

As a result of the withdrawal of White Lions from the Division One West a decision was made last night by the management committee to relocate Cambridge Rangers into their correct county based division therefore transferring them to Division One West. This will mean that Division One East will now be reduced to 11 teams for next season. We are still in consultation with the counties to try and fill the gap but no decision has been made at this time. You will be informed via this page as to the outcome.

It has just come to the attention of the league that White Lions have had to withdraw from the league because of a lack of player availability for next season. There was a slim hope of joining with another team but at the last minute this was found not to be possible so with regret White Lions will not compete next season in Division One West. The management committee is at this time trying to secure another team to come in and take the place of White Lions so that all divisions will have the maximum number of teams but at this late stage we are not sure if it can be achieved. We will keep you informed through this page

It has just come to note that several clubs are sending in their player registration forms but with no return address. Could all clubs attach a return address to all correspondence to the satellite secretaries until the league directory is produced. Many thanks

Bill has asked me to tell you through this page that on the player registration form the question as to previous club needs to be filled in with NONE or NOT APPLICABLE please do not put a line though it. Thanks. Handbook with directory and fixtures will be distributed at the next league meeting on August 8th 2005

The draw for the Women's FA Cup has been made and it is pleasing to note that we have almost half our region's clubs (17) involved in the first qualifying round to be played on September 11th 2005. below is the draw for our regional clubs

I have just received the base fixture lay outs for next season and will be progressing these over the next week and getting them ready for the August meeting. One point that has been raised is that we had a bit of a fixture pile up at the end of the season in both the East and West Division Ones. Mainly due to the fact that there are two more cup dates than the Premier and also that there are more clubs entering the Women's FA Cup. So it is the intention of the Region this year to get the Division One's to play TWO night mid week games. One during September and the other during April. This will allow at least the games to be played without floodlights. All these games will be fairly local so that clubs can get their players to the games after work.

So by now all clubs should have their 15 players signed on and registered with the league well almost. What is that I hear you don't. Oh cripes. or words to that effect. Allowing for post etc your numbers should be at the 15 mark by August 1st so with just a couple of weeks to go I hope you have your players already signed so that a mad dash in the last week does not get you a fine for not being ready. Go on do it now while it is still in your mind. This will allow the satellite secretaries to do all the work and we can get the names on the website early.

Alex informs me that he needs copies of your child protection certificates just in case you have had a change of personnel since last season

First news of the up coming season is to inform you that Cornard Ladies have withdrawn from the Division One East to play in the Essex County League. We as a management committee had on the books a request from Kings Lynn who were champions of the Norfolk County Women's League to join the Region. On your behalf we have interviewed their committee and have accepted them into the position vacated by Cornard Ladies. This will ensure that all divisions are now up to the maximum of 12 teams.

As we had a good discussion at the AGM regarding pitch sizes I decided to make enquiries to see what the situation was. From what was said from the floor yes you are right in as much as the Football Association does give maximum and minimum sizes for football pitches under 'Law 1' of Laws of the game.

But if you read the the law in full there are several permissible modifications which are covered by the quote 'Subject to the agreement of the National Association concerned and provided the principals of these laws are maintained, the laws may be modified in their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women footballers and for veteran footballers (over the age of 35 years) and for players with disabilities.

With the above in mind the decision to make pitch sizes of 110 yards long by 70 yards wide is a decision made by our national association being The Women's Football Alliance which governs the national league as well as the combination leagues and now The Eastern Region Women's Football League and as we are an integral part of the pyramid we feel that we should conform to the national requirements.

As we have now passed the rule we have a minimum requirement of 110 yards by 70 yards which in most cases will be the size of the majority of senior men's pitches and as we are now progressing to get all or most of our clubs associated with and playing on senior men's grounds we should be able to adhere to the rule passed at our AGM